Hot Topics:

Health & Fitness Expo has advice for young and old

By S. Derrickson Moore / dmoore@lcsun-news.com

Posted:
06/01/2013 03:03:18 PM MDT

LAS CRUCES — Thousands gathered Saturday at the 2013 Health & Fitness Expo at the Las Cruces Convention Center to learn about what the community has to offer when it comes to resources that range from healthy nutrition for kids and seniors to fitness centers, medical procedures and a wide range of environmental and wellness issues.

"This is the best one ever. We've lived in Las Cruces for nine years and this was the most helpful one since we've been here. There were a lot of varied things and people here with a lot of knowledge who take the time to talk to you," said Bill Ihne, attending with his wife Henrietta.

"It's wonderful. My daughter and I just won free massages, so we're going to have a mother-daughter massage day," said Cindy Ormseth of Las Cruces, who with daughter Amanda, 16, had just spun a prize wheel at the Massage Envy booth. Several vendors offered raffles for prizes and services.

Nearly 100 vendors, many of them new to the expo, attracted visitors of all ages.

"She got tested for a sugar thing," reported Nicholas Aguirre, 8, making the rounds with his grandmother, Kathy Aguirre of Las Cruces.

Nicholas said he was looking forward to visiting a children's activity area, which included young gymnasts demonstrating their skills and a jumping tent. Some vendors also offered items with kid appeal, including coloring and activity books.

Advertisement

"The expo is educating our community and it's for everybody. We're also excited about adding a special activity area for children this year," said Heidi Melendrez, regional advertising director for the Las Cruces Sun-News and Healthy U magazine, sponsors of the event, along with MountainView Medical Center, Millennium Health & Wellness, Sitel and Comprehensive Varicose Veins Laser Clinic.

Community nonprofit organizations were on hand to get the word out about their groups and upcoming activities.

"We're getting ready for the 3lst Cowboys for Cancer Research Team Roping event Oct. 11, 12 and 13. It's hard to find anybody who hasn't by touched by cancer in some way," said Denny Calhoun, who dispensed information and hats, shirts and other Cowboys for Cancer Research merchandise with his wife Geraldine in a booth festooned with a big pink cowboy boot filled with a bouquet of colorful flowers.

Nearby, volunteers for Las Cruces' shelter for victims of domestic violence offered literature on abuse and helping services and promoted the upcoming La Casa Girls Night Out at 6 p.m. June 21 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

This year, the expo focused on a wholistic approach to wellness that encompassed the health of our environment, with information about solar energy, community cleanup campaigns and food, nutrition and personal care products that emphasize sustainable, organic and locavore approaches to feeding your family and yourself.

Area experts also gave advice about emergency preparations for natural disasters.

Early birds got a chance to see a Medivac helicopter, which paid a fly-in visit to the expo.

S. Derrickson Moore may be reached at 575-541-5450. Follow her on Twitter @DerricksonMoore.